Luxe look for French fruit

When French food processor Un Air d'Ici replaced metal with plastic containers for its Ice Fruits fruit packaging in several flavors it enjoyed some green advantages, a more efficient packaging process and a stronger product presentation.

For Ice Fruits, it wanted an eye-catching, high-quality package for the design upgrade. Un Air d'Ici chose the RingLock® plastic container from Superfos (www.superfos.com), which it says offers both economical and environmental advantages.

“Superfos was a natural choice as our packaging supplier,” says Un Air D'Ici CEO Franck Bonfils. “The switch from metal to plastic containers also led to a weight reduction of more than 30 percent and a more efficient use of storage space—factors that save both money and carbon dioxide emissions in the product life cycle.”

Available in capacities from 120- to 520 mL, the round containers feature in-mold labeling, an easy-open, snap-on lid and withstand hot filling to 90 deg C as well as blast freezing. The containers' dramatic black background offsets the crisp photo vignettes of each of the fruit flavors inside. Superfos points to plastic's lower weight and stacking ease, which entails massive CO2 reductions through transport. The more sustainable plastic containers have resulted in a smarter packaging process, Bonfils explains. “We can use the same packaging for six of our products. Our packaging process has been simplified and is more efficient. Additionally, we have improved our filling line, thereby making it possible to use the same packaging line for all the products. The new packaging concept has been well received.” Available in supermarkets, the new Ice Fruit containers also are as durable as they are enviro-friendly.